Throat stretching

Has anyone had their throat dilated?  If so, was it successful?  Do you know anyone else who had it done?  Was theirs successful?  I've had trouble with swallowing food and getting it stuck in my chest, along with such a huge feeling of their being a lump in my throat, for more than a year now!!

I was told that I am not a candidate for surgery, even though the PH studies showed that I have very severe GERD.  So now I'm thinking that the last alternative for me is to get my throat stretched.  What do you guys think?

Hey there Friendlygal...I wanted to let you know I did some research about your question, and have come up with the best answer I could... The procedure you are talking about is called Esophageal Dialation. From what I understand, it is a pretty simple procedure that really shouldn't interfeir with your life. There are several methods of treatment, and your doctor would determine which one was best for you after your diagnosis was made. Your doctor would go over this with you if you needed this procedure done. The basics of the different procedures are as follows: As mentioned, there are a number of dilating techniques available to the physician. Simple bougie dilatation may be done in the office, in a sitting position, and with only an anesthetic spray of the throat. If endoscopy is performed at the same time, then it will be done in the endoscopy suite, usually under sedation. If x-ray fluoroscopy equipment is needed, the procedure is performed in the x-ray unit. Simple bougie dilatation may take only a few minutes. The other techniques require 20 to 30 minutes. Recovery is usually quick and the patient can soon begin eating and drinking to test the effectiveness of the treatment. Possible complications from the procedure are as follows: Esophageal dilatation is usually performed effectively and without problems. However, some complications can occur. A small amount of bleeding almost always happens at the treatment site. At times, it can be excessive, requiring evaluation and treatment. An uncommon but known complication is perforation of the esophagus. The wall of the esophagus is thin and, despite the best efforts of the physician, can tear. An operation may be required to correct this problem. Have you talked to a doctor about this procedure? How long have you been thinking about this procedure? Let me know if you have any other questions, I have given you the basics. Keep us posted as to what is going on with this situation!!! Wishing you the best!

Thanks for sharing your story with us...it is always better to hear it from someone who has been through it, than from someone who just knows about it. So, thanks.

Skyducky,
Welcome to HW.
You probably had a Shataz (sp?) ring. It's a ring of cartliage that grows in bands sometimes around the esophagus. I have one but it's not restrictive, yet.

Please start your own thread and introduce yourself.